Inside the Institute

Energy Efficient Innovations

It was interesting being at the International Builder's Show (IBS) in
Las Vegas this week--especially on Monday, Inauguration Day. The themes
somehow seem related. IBS is all about introducing the newest materials
for building and renovating homes. Our new president articulated his
message for building and renovating our nation and economy.

The economy is certainly something that you see being addressed here at IBS. Just about every manufacturer I've met with—makers of kitchen
appliances, water heaters, windows, and lighting—talked about the
innovations they've made to achieve better energy efficiency. The Whirlpool Gold Brand
is introducing an Energy Save mode on its electric ranges. Just like a computer that powers off when no one is using
it, the electric console of the range will go dark within 30 minutes if
the range isn't in use. The company claims these new models are 290% more efficient than previous Whirlpool brand ranges. Progressive Lighting, a company that's been in
existence for over a century, is earning its name by staying ahead of
the curve. It has launched LED (Light Emitting Diodes) in residential
light fixtures. These lights will last for literally decades, and
contain no mercury so that disposal doesn't pose an environmental
hazard.

A raised environmental consciousness is also evidenced by eco
innovations in flooring, cabinetry, and insulation materials. Some
specifics: Shaw Floors is producing porcelain floor tiles made from
recycled materials, Armstrong Cabinets is introducing new,
environmentally-conscious kitchen cabinets, as is Viking. Viking's St.
Charles cabinetry is made from 70% recycled steel and is 100%
recyclable.

Other trends that are continuing: a big emphasis on ease of use and organization.
Whirlpool, recognizing the time-starved mentality that dictates all of our lives, has a great steam clean feature in its range http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/appliances-electronics/about-ranges. This allows you to do a quick, 20-minute spot cleaning, something that's easy to do between the more intense 3-hour oven cleanings. At a time when people are reluctant to make big, costly home
improvements, it can feel good to just declutter your home. Gladiator
Garageworks by Whirlpool has some terrific products for helping people
make full use of garages (and they've made their garage refrigerator,
the Chillerator, and garage freezer, the Freezerator--both operate in
extreme temperatures--more energy efficient than before). Armstrong
Cabinets has brought the same organization tricks that have long worked
in kitchens to bathroom drawer design--so smart and useful. They've
made cut-out spaces in drawers for hair dryers and created compartments
to separate cosmetics, hair and body care lotions, etc. Its kitchen cabinetry has options for organizing children's toys and art materials—a recognition of how real families live. and that we need to keep our kids occupied while we're preparing meals. Worth noting is
that Armstrong Cabinets is now offering the option of adapting its
kitchen and bathroom cabinets for universal design--a wonderful and
important step so that everyone in the home can easily access what they
need.

Customization is another trend. Amana has created 10 different color
design options for its refrigerator doors (aside from the typical
options). Door possibilities include "corduroy"--a two-tone striped
blue metallic, "green tea"--a light green leaf design, "brocade"--a
brown paisley design, and "mojo"--a wildly vibrant orange, blue,
yellow, and green striped design. These are hardly for everyone's
taste. But if you want to have fun, you can go to http://www.amanacolor.com/color and
vote for your favorites.

The biggest takeaway from the Builder's Show is that whatever
improvements you make to your home--big or small--be sure to ask about
energy efficient options. Manufacturers are recognizing that you want
to save money. And whether it's a replacement window or a new light
fixture for your doorway, there are new products on the market than can
save you some money. And, of course, it's a win-win. Whenever we make any improvements in energy efficiency, we're also helping the
environment. A good feeling.

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